How to send CV to external gear from our tools
Use MIDI and modulation with your Eurorack and other CV gear
For use with our MIDI Effects or Modulators and a Control Voltage-compatible audio interface
FAQ
Getting Started
First things first, check your audio interface specifications to ensure it supports Control Voltage (CV) output. It will need DC-coupled outputs; many audio interfaces use AC-coupled outputs, which block the low-frequency and static voltage signals that CV requires, so DC coupling is an essential prerequisite. Some manufacturers state CV compatibility directly in which case you’re good to go, but DC coupling is the underlying technical requirement.
However, DC coupling alone still doesn’t fully guarantee usable CV range: you also want to confirm the output voltage range, ideally ±5V or 0–10V to cover Eurorack and other common modular standards. That said, if DC coupling is not listed, CV output is not possible. Interfaces marketed toward modular synthesis will typically make this clear. Finally, you’ll need to enable the outputs in the Output Config of Live’s Audio Settings.
Next, if you don’t already have it installed, visit the Ableton website and download the free CV Tools pack. You can also navigate to the Packs section of Live’s Browser and download it directly in the Available Packs section. These utilities will be essential to convert our device outputs to CV-native ranges.
MIDI Control
Now place an instance of the CV Instrument device after the desired MIDI Effects in your chain. Be sure to configure the CV Gate To and CV Pitch To by assigning them to the appropriate enabled outputs of your CV-compatible audio interface.
You also have the option to monitor the audio from your rig via the same instrument device by configuring Audio From and enabling Monitor.
Adjust Gate and Pitch settings as needed - and explore the advanced CV Pitch settings via the reveal toggle to access two envelopes, a dedicated shaper, expression range settings, and even Live mapping controls to use these for modulation.
Change Engine stochastically powering a CV rig via CV Instrument.
Drumwise
For more straight-forward trigger-style control, use the CV Triggers device instead of CV Instrument. This allows you to map specific MIDI pitches to discrete CV outputs with controlled Gate, Trigger, or Ping times, polarity, and optional velocity control.
Octopulse triggering CV drums with the CV Triggers device.
Modulation Output
Finally, to send flexible Live modulation to your CV gear, you’ll want to use an instance of CV Utility. Again, configure the CV To settings to send signal to the desired CV output on your interface. Then, map your modulation source to the first Value dial. Using Live’s new modulation system with default bipolar modulation output set to 50%, you’ll want to turn the Value dial up to 50% from the default of 0%. Better yet, you can map and combine two additional sources and combine them creatively with this fun utility - not unlike our advanced X-Combine modulator. It can also be mapped internally to up to eight parameters in Live as well.
MIDI LFOx Pro controlling connected CV gear via the CV Utility.
Armed with these tools and techniques, you can now use any of our MIDI Effects, Modulators, or even MIDI Tools to drive new creative techniques with your modular rig. What’s that sound I hear? Oh - just your horizons expanding. No big deal.